Post-Pregnancy Blues

Post pregnancy or postpartum or as some people even call it the ‘4th trimester ‘(I know it is a misnomer), might be the toughest phase of your pregnancy.  It brings lot of new physical and psychological challenges.

Post delivery your body is weak and needs recovery and this is true for both vaginal as well as C-Sec cases. You have a new member to take care of. You are overwhelmed with emotions and things to do. Here are a few common problems that you experience, following your delivery. I thought it would be a good idea if I can list down these for you. It is always helpful if we are already aware-

1.       Body aches- Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy, these aches or muscle pains are a result of that. Your body is still strained from the delivery.  In few cases, you might experience contractions even after the delivery as the uterus is contracting back to its original shape. You will be sitting a lot to breastfeed your baby, which will add to the back ache and joint aches.  Side lying feeding position is considered good to avoid back-aches. 

Do take your postnatal vitamins regularly. Try to take a nutrient rich diet. Remember, that this will take time. You have created a life in your body, it takes a toll on the body. Give it proper rest and nutrition to bounce back.

2.       Excessive Bleeding- Lot of people experience excessive bleeding, it is nothing but your body shedding the uterus linning. Invest in good sanitary pads as you might be using it for couple of days and regular usage might cause rashes. It may last from 7days to 50days. I used Sofy sanitary pad and I swear by it. It is softer than any pad that I have used till date.

3.       Infections- Your body at this stage is quite vulnerable to infections. Lot of new mothers experience infection of urinary tract or infection at the site of stitches or the infections in the breast. In all the cases, the symptoms generally are fever, chills or pain and swelling at the site of infection. In case of UTI(urinary tract infection), you might experience burning sensation while peeing. Try having lots and lots of water, as it helps removing the toxins out of your system. Consult your doctor immediately as you might need a course of antibiotics.

4.       Nipple related problems- Breastfeeding

a.       Flat or Inverted Nipples- This is just not a problem per se, it is just the nipple shape where nipples are not protruding.  The baby might find latching, a bit difficult in this case-           i.      Try using nipple shell or nipple shield. Nipple shield can be worn while feeding.

         ii.     Try pumping before nursing as the suction might help draw out the nipples a bit.

b.      Sore and Cracked Nipples- This is again often a consequence of incorrect latch.  People suggest applying breast milk on it. I also found Mamaearth cream quite effective for this. You can apply cold compresses for sore nipples.

5.       Breastfeeding Issues-

a.       Low milk supply- Lot of people experience this immediately after birth or some even experience this later in their breastfeeding journey. The key is to feed as much as possible to keep up the supply. I have already written another post on this topic, for more information you can go through it (https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/mumspresso/article/breastfeeding-journey-of-a-formula-feeding-momwith-recommendations).

b.      Engorgements- This usually happens when there is oversupply or if you miss a few feeds. Your breast will get engorged and if you try to feel, it appears as if there is a big clot, that is nothing but a clogged milk duct. The solution is-

    i.      Do hot compresses

   ii.     Take hot shower 

   iii.      Try to express (even if it hurts) and remove the milk or else the milk duct will remain clogged and might turn into an infection. You can feed that milk to the baby or if you have excess supply you can simply discard it. You might find that the breast pumps are not as effective as hand express, so try doing that. It might take 24-48hrs as the process is slow, painful and tiring. Hot compress followed by hand express is what i tried once and it took me 36hours to completely get rid of the engorgement. If it is not very severe instead of hand express directly feeding the baby can also work.

c.       Mastitis- It is a common problem for breastfeeding women, it is basically inflammation of milk ducts. It can be an infection or not. Consult your doctor in case you see redness, swelling in your breasts, have fever or chills.

6.       Post-Partum Depression(PPD)- It is real, the reason could be any of the above issues or anything else. You have so much to handle in such a vulnerable state that you can easily slide into depression. It is always good to seek help if things are getting out of control. I loved the concept of japa for the same reason, where for 45days new mothers are provided full support by a japa maid. She completely takes care of the mother and her baby. The mother gets proper rest which is needed at this stage.

7.       Sleep deprivation- Newborns need to feed every 1.5-2 hours and the feeding sessions can last from 2min-30min including at night. It is very essential that you sleep when the baby sleeps or else the result would be sleep deprivation and the problems related to that. 

8. Hairfall- This is something that you experience after 2-3months of your delivery. The voluminous hair that you had during pregnancy will fall like somebody who is undergoing chemotherapy (sorry for the tragic example but it can be that bad, it was for me atleast). Just keep taking your vitamins and proteins, that is the only solution. I know it is difficult taking care of yourself and your hair, once the baby arrives but try to, in order to reduce the problem.

These are some of the common conditions that I am aware of whether through first or second hand experience. There can be several more, for anything, it is always better to consult your doctor. Most important is not to get stressed out by any of this, consider these as crazy curveballs that we as new mother's get thrown at. It is all part of the beautiful motherhood journey.  

Let me know in comments section, if you found the post helpful.